‘Our rock and our best friend’

The New York rapper was found unconscious in his home on July 28 at the age of 50

Rapper Chino XL’s family has confirmed that he committed suicide.

“It was the most painful and personal experience of our lives, but in honor of Suicide Awareness Month we decided to share this truth,” his family said in a statement to PEOPLE about the death of the New York rapper – born Derek Keith Barbosa – who was found unconscious in his home on July 28 at the age of 50.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office lists the official cause of death as asphyxiation due to ligature hanging, the statement said.

It also noted that Chino was diagnosed with congenital heart failure in 2020 and stage 4 prostate cancer earlier this year. He has struggled with lifelong depression, the statement continued.

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“Our father was our rock and our best friend,” his daughters said in the release. “Papa Bear loved us and taught us so much.”

“Hundreds of emails, texts, chats and beautiful messages and comments on social media have shown us that Dad was a source of strength to so many,” they continued. “He encouraged and comforted virtually everyone in his path and left this dimension with an untouchable creative legacy. We are grateful beyond words for our time with Dad and are overwhelmed by the immeasurable global outpouring of love from all over the world.”

The statement also addressed false reports that the family was planning to release Chino’s album in October, clarifying that there is currently no exact official date. They also added that an unnamed individual leaked the album online by telling people he was working on behalf of the family.

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“An unscrupulous individual illegally leaked Dad’s new album online,” the family added. “To add to this unbearable time, this man’s contemptuous actions have damaged what was originally Dad’s intended album release in December, with a significant portion of the proceeds to be donated to charitable organizations.”

According to the statement, the family has retained a trial attorney and is taking legal action against this person.

In July, PEOPLE reported that the late artist’s family confirmed his death on social media, saying they were “devastated to break the news.”

The family wrote that Chino died at his home on Sunday morning, July 28.

“Our father had many titles – King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero – but the most important was Girl Dad,” his daughters wrote in a joint tribute. “And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness and ability to be super realistic.”

“The most important thing we feel now is that our father is at peace, and we are at peace too,” she added.

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Chino is survived by his children: Chynna, Bella, Lyric and Kiyana; his stepson Shawn; grandchildren Emmy, Emery, Chris, Luis and Dyani; his mother, Carole; and his former longtime partner Stephanie.

“The family requests privacy. A private memorial service will be held,” the family wrote on Instagram on August 13.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or visit Suicidepreventionlifeline. org.

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